Disable Smilies in This Post. Show Signature: include your profile signature. Only registered users may have signatures.

*If HTML and/or UBB Code are enabled, this means you can use HTML and/or UBB Code in your message.

If you have previously registered, but forgotten your password, click here.

T O P I C R E V I E W

trajan

Hi,

I was wondering if somebody could answer a question which has quietly bugged me for over a year now:

During the very early Shuttle landings, T-38 chase planes were very evident, flying extremely close to the orbiter, yet on coverage of recent landings, I never see them, although often hear jet noise on the sound.

Do T-38's still accompany the orbiter as it comes in? If so, how many are there and have they changed the rules, e.g. distance, number, etc. since the early days?

Thanks,

Jason

mjanovec

I believe the chase planes on the early shuttle missions helped to verify that the orbiter was in suitable condition for landing and, as the orbiter was directly above the runway, to verify that the wheels had been extended. Remember that the earliest shuttle missions had ejection seats, so ejection was an option if the one of the wheels did not come down.

In fact, ejection on approach to landing was probably the only time a safe ejection could have been made...although "safe" is a relative term.

Philip

I believe there's always at least one T-38 airborne during a Shuttle landing in order to assist whenever possible (e.g. visual checks).Also NASA has 1 or 2 (Huey-type)helicopters in the air...During launches, take-off of STS is montored from a Martin WB-57 modified 'bomber' aircraft.

OV-105

The first flight that didn't have any chace planes on landing was STS-7. One of Crip's FL landings that happened in CA. I belive STS 41-B (first FL landing) was the last flight that had chase planes. As the shuttle flew more the systems were proven so the "back up" of a chase plane was not needed. Now the STA has been know to call in as a chase plane once in a while. There are some photos where the STA is flying behind the shuttle.